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The diocese of Lagos west of the anglican communion, Church of Nigeria as agent of social and political change in the society

Adekoya, Richard A. Ayodele
(2013)
The diocese of Lagos west of the anglican communion, Church of Nigeria as agent of social and political change in the society.
PhD thesis, Prifysgol Bangor University.

Abstract

This dissertation evaluates the activities of the Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican
Communion, Church of Nigeria and its contribution to societal development. Over the years,
the DLW has been involved with the society and has become a major diocese within the
Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria and in Lagos State, with a substantial numerical
strength as well as a meaningful social, political, economic, and religious influence within the
society. Since its establishment, the DLW has made great achievements in the areas of
education, healthcare, social and political development.
This study aims to show that the DLW in Lagos has been part of society building and it will
explore the impacts of their activities in the society. This study demonstrates that the social
and political involvement of the DLW in the society has a biblical and philosophical
conviction. The research hypothesises that the closer the relationship of the church has with
the state is crucial for the benefit of the people. The research employed an empirical
qualitative approach to test the proposition by analysing the data from the research area. The
findings of the research show that religion and politics can mix as they are both concerned
with the same subject matter –the people, who belong to both camps. The findings also show
the close relationship between the church and the state and the extent to which the church is
involved with the state and politics. However, the ambivalent character of the church like
every other faith was validated. State and church do both impact society, but the DLW’s
effective work in the society was quite distinct from the state or its politics. As such, the
church is well positioned for societal transformation both politically and socially. This should
serve as an example to other churches, allowing them to realise that their social and political
actions are means of fulfilling their mission and clear the doubts on the legitimacy of the
Church getting involved in the socio-political realm. Recommendations are made to ensure
that the church maintains its boundaries despite its involvement -whilst sustaining its positive
influence in the society on the one hand, and also challenging the unjust structures and
unfavourable government’s policies, on the other hand.